The Early Years Foundation Stage

In Reception, children learn through a balance of play-based exploration and carefully planned adult-led activities. 

Our EYFS curriculum is carefully planned to be fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate, supporting every child to learn through play, exploration and meaningful experiences. Learning is rooted in children’s interests and real-life experiences, helping them to feel motivated, confident and excited about coming to school. 

We operate an open-door policy, welcoming parents to speak to staff informally at drop-off and collection times, and we are always happy to arrange appointments for longer, more in-depth conversations whenever needed.  We use Class Dojo to share photographs, whole school and class information as well as messages.

We place a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, where children develop their physical skills, independence and understanding of safety through active play, role-play and real-world problem solving. Opportunities such as outdoor learning in the forest, physical challenges and exploration support children’s health, wellbeing and confidence.

The curriculum is inclusive and supportive, celebrating diversity and helping children understand that everyone is unique and special. Through stories, discussions, food tasting, music, art and role play, children learn about different cultures, traditions and ways of life, while also reflecting on their own families, experiences and identities. This helps children develop empathy, respect and positive relationships with others.

We care deeply about each individual child and know our children and families well. Circle times, small-group discussions and creative activities allow children to share their ideas, feelings and experiences, ensuring they feel heard, valued and supported. Learning activities are adapted to meet different needs, enabling all children to succeed at their own pace.

Communication, language and literacy are developed through storytelling, Drawing Club, discussions and imaginative play, while early maths skills are embedded naturally through practical problem-solving and everyday contexts. Creative arts, music, dance and role play allow children to express themselves freely and imaginatively.

Overall, our curriculum provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel supported to explore, question, create and grow into confident, curious learners.

Please click on the document below to find out more.

Autumn 1, 2026

🌍 Reception – Why is our world wonderful?

Our first half term in Reception is about settling into school, building friendships and discovering the wonderful world around us. We are learning our routines and growing in confidence and independence.

📚 Stories such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Hairy Maclary help us develop our listening, vocabulary and storytelling. In phonics, we are learning letter sounds and beginning to blend them into words, alongside plenty of drawing, mark making and early writing.

🔢 In maths, we are matching, sorting and comparing objects, exploring size and amounts, and making patterns. We are also practising counting and recognising small quantities without counting each object.

🍂 Through play and outdoor exploration, we are noticing autumn changes, looking for minibeasts and discovering their habitats. We are learning to ask questions and care for living things.

🎨 Self-portraits, colour mixing, clay, music and imaginative play give us opportunities to be creative. Dough Disco, Finger Gym and outdoor movement help build our strength, coordination and hand skills.

💛 Throughout the day, we are practising sharing, taking turns, talking about our feelings and asking for help.

🏡 At home: enjoy stories together, count everyday objects and look for signs of autumn on a walk.